Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

Earth Day
2024-04-22
2024 Earth Day is April 22nd, which has a theme this year of “Invest in Our Planet”.
Here is an action toolkit to work with on improving our environment: Earth Day Action Toolkit
#InvestInOurPlanet

Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2024-05-10 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Detroit)
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 7:30pm, and the session will last about 2 to 3 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2024-06-08 21:00 - 23:30

Fostering the Dark Skies of the Keweenaw [ KUUF ]
2024-06-09 10:30 - 12:00
[ Read: View the Slide Deck from the Presentation ]

[ From the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Web Site ]
Program Description
The Keweenaw has some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. This provides visitors and residents access to incredible stargazing and the opportunity to view the Northern Lights. Join us for a discussion on ways to ensure that the Keweenaw’s dark skies can be enjoyed now and by future generations.
John Mueller, owner of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, will describe current efforts to establish the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Copper Harbor. He’ll explain why protecting dark skies is important to our region.
Mueller manages the operations and strategy of Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. He purchased the WPA-era lodge located at the top of the Keweenaw in 2018. He has expanded resort offerings to include outdoor and educational activities year-round and a rustic, global food menu.
Mueller has been a professor at St. Edward’s University and a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan Universities. He has a PhD in Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville, an MBA from the University of Illinois and a BBA from Southern Methodist University. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many places around the world, which has helped to shape his perspective on life.
The forum will be on Zoom only:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83975762265?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 839 7576 2265
Passcode: [REDACTED]
[ View KUUF Event Page ]
Slide Deck

[ Click the Image above to View the Slide Deck ]

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop - Milky Way
2024-07-05 21:00 - 23:30
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the milky way, the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:45pm, and the session will last about 2 to 3 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Clear Skies, Clean Water, Bright Futures - Michigan Tech
2024-07-29 10:00 - 16:00 | KML Lodge, 14252 US Hwy 41, Copper Harbor, MI, 49918, United States
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge will host 1st Day of the Clear Skies – Clean Water – Bright Futures, a Michigan Tech Center for Science and Environmental Outreach initiative to empower educators for environmental stewardship.
Agenda for July 29, 2024

10:15… Arrive at KML
10:30-11:30…Informational session about light pollution (John Mueller and Chris Guibert)
11:30-12:30…Lunch (Widad)
12:30-1:15…Informational session about becoming the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park (John Mueller)
1:15-1:45…Introduction to sky quality meters and how to use them (Martin Mueller)
1:45-2:00…Break
2:00-2:45…Tour of KML Dark-Sky friendly infrastructure (Chris Guibert)
2:45-3:30…Discussion of Education and Classroom applications (Tom Oliver)
3:30 Departure

Link to the slide decks from the presentations:

Fostering the Dark Skies in the Keweenaw – Light Pollution, Light Management Practices, and Dark Sky Park (John Mueller)
Night Sky Photography on the Keweenaw Peninsula – Types of Light (Chris Guibert)
Introduction to SQM Readers (Martin Mueller)
Light Pollution and Wildlife (Chris Guibert)

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop - Milky Way
2024-08-03 20:30 - 23:00
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the milky way, the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:15pm, and the session will last about 2 to 3 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2024-09-01 20:00 - 22:30
[ Read: September 1, 2024: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 7:45pm, and the session will last about 2 to 3 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Fall Color Photo Workshop - Elements of Composition
2024-09-28 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-02 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-05 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-09 09:00 - 16:00
About the Workshop
Join professional photographer Chris Guibert for a one day workshop focusing on the elements of composition in photography. The first hour of the class will be in the classroom discussing camera composition techniques. For the remainder of the day we will head out in our vehicles to explore some of the Keweenaw’s fall color destinations with our camera, tripods and smiles.
This class is for beginners to advanced photographers. We are offering this one day workshop four times during the peak of the fall color season.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $100 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet at the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 9:00am.
About the Instructor: Chris Guibert
Art has always been part of Chris’ life. He enjoys working through the creative process of just about anything. He drew as a kid and took art classes and mechanical drawing throughout high school. At age 30 he went back to school and earned a degree in Professional Photography (AAS) from Colorado Mountain College. After graduation he worked as the production manager at a digital art lab in Aspen Colorado. At Digital Arts Aspen (DDA) he worked on digital art reproductions, assisted other photographers in the studio and helped with Photoshop workshops. Since 2004 he has worked as a freelance photographer focusing on commercial work and editorial assignments in the adventure travel industry. You can view his work on Instagram at @chrisguibert_photography

Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2024-10-02 19:30 - 22:00
[ Read: October 2, 2024: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 7:15pm, and the session will last about 2 to 3 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2024-11-01 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: November 1, 2024: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 to 3 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2024-12-28 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: December 28, 2024: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2025-01-29 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: January 29, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2025-02-28 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: February 28, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-03-29 19:30 - 22:00
[ Read: March 29, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 7:15pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
2025-04-24 15:00 - 2025-04-26 23:30
[ Read: 2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival Recap ]
[ Purchase Tickets ]
Limit: 50 tickets
Last day to purchase tickets: April 20th
— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, is hosting its third annual event around International Dark Sky Week: The Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. DarkSky International (formerly known as, the International Dark-Sky Association) encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week. This annual week-long event aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night.
The 2025 event will be held over April 24th, 25th, and 26th, and provides three days / nights of learning. Events and workshops will be hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
The event is intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts. The evening event on Thursday allows guests to check into their accommodations, have a meal and then take in the presentation. Friday and Saturday’s events in the afternoon allow guests to have a morning adventure and an afternoon and evening of learning.

Schedule
Below is the schedule for the festival (last updated April 7, 2025):
Thursday, April 24th

6:00pm: Welcome / Opening Remarks (John Mueller, KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park & Amber Harrison, DarkSky International – Virtually)
7:00pm: Stargazing: Dark Sky Photography and Etiquette Workshop (Tom Oliver, Photographer and Director of the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University)
Evening: Stargazing

Friday, April 25th

9:00am: Open Skies Tour (limited to 24 people – call (906) 289-4403 ext 4 to sign up) [ sponsored by Visit Keweenaw ]
11:30am: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Illuminating Opportunities: Dark Sky Programming in the Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Industry (Jamie Westfall, Park Manager of The Headlands Dark Sky Park)
3:30pm: Postcards from the Universe: 2024-2025 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (Robert Nemiroff, Co-creator of Astronomy Picture of the Day, Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University)
8:00pm: Deep Sky Astrophotography: From First Shot to Final Masterpiece (Ogetay Kayali, Deep Space Photographer and Michigan Technological University Graduate Student)
Evening: Stargazing

Saturday, April 26th

9:30am: Ecology Tour with Tom Oliver (limited to 15 people – please call 906-289-4403 ext 4 to sign up)
11:30am: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds and Pathways to Solutions (Jared Wolfe, Ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University)
3:30pm: Understanding the Magnetosphere and Experiencing Solar Max! (MaryBeth Kiczenski, Adventurer / Photographer / Northern Lights Chaser)
8:00pm: Discover the Sun (Dave Falkner, NASA Solar System Ambassador)
Evening: Stargazing

Location
The festival will be held at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
14252 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Price
Tickets for the festival are $250 / person + tax. Tickets include admission to all presentations and the lunch on Friday and Saturday. A maximum of 50 tickets will be sold. The last day to purchase tickets is April 20, 2025.
[ Purchase Tickets ]

— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

Presentation Topics and Speaker Bios
Below is the list of speakers, with their bios and presentation topics. The list is sorted by last name of the speaker.
Dave Falkner
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Presentation Topic: Discover the Sun
The Northern Lights have been plentiful and spectacular over the past year. While most people know the aurora borealis occurs when the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, how much do they know about the source of the solar wind, namely, our nearest star, the Sun? In his presentation, Dave will talk about how ancient astronomers perceived the Sun. He will walk through astronomical history showing how astronomers gradually figured out what the Sun was and the source of its energy. Dave will then talk about how more recent observations of the Sun have revealed its structure, its surface features, and the sources of the solar wind. Dave will also talk about the mysteries the Sun still holds and what we are doing today to unravel them. Finally, Dave will talk about the fate of the Sun as it enters the second half of its lifetime.
About Dave
Dave Falkner is a retired Naval officer and a lifelong amateur astronomer. He has two books published (one in 2nd edition) and has taught Introduction to Astronomy at the college level. He has served on the board of the Minnesota Astronomical Society and does extensive outreach. He enjoys showing the public the wonders of the universe through his telescope. Dave is a member
of the Astronomy in Chile Education Ambassador Program (ACEAP) as well as a NASA Solar System Ambassador. He and his wife, Kathy, have 3 adult children and reside in Blaine, Minnesota.
—–
Amber Harrison
Dark Sky Places Program Manager at DarkSky International
Presentation Topic: Opening Remarks and Status of Dark Sky Places Program
Amber will join us virtually to discuss the status of the DarkSky International’s places program.
About Amber
Amber is responsible for the Dark Sky Places Program at DarkSky International. Prior to joining DarkSky International, she was a park ranger and interpreter at Big Bend Ranch State Park — the largest, most remote, and darkest park in Texas. She completed successful applications to the International Dark Sky Places program for public lands in the Big Bend of West Texas and is active in dark sky advocacy throughout the region. Her focus on dark sky conservation developed during her time as a Ranger, where she incorporated dark sky education in her programming and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of natural dark skies on the natural world and the human experience.
Amber grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where she spent most of her time riding and caring for horses. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Anthropology with a focus on bioarchaeology at Wichita State University.
—–
Ogetay Kayali
Deep Space Photographer and Michigan Technological University Graduate Student
Presentation Topic: Deep Sky Astrophotography: From First Shot to Final Masterpiece
Curious about capturing stunning images of nebulae and galaxies but not sure where to begin? Or perhaps you are already exploring the night sky and looking to take your astrophotography to the next level? This session will guide you step by step — from basic gear and setup to advanced techniques — for producing breathtaking deep sky images with just a camera. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you will walk away with the knowledge and inspiration to create award-winning astrophotography.
About Ogetay
Ogetay is a PhD Candidate in Astrophysics at Michigan Tech and works for NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. He has been doing public outreach and science communication for over 10 years, founded a popular science platform with nearly 10 volunteers that became a top-visited science platform in Turkey, and has written over 300 popular science articles and 70+ video scripts for a YouTube channel that reached over 50M views. His astrophotography has received recognition with awards by Astrobin (top astrophotography platform) — with 1 image of the day, 6 Top Picks, and 8 Top Pick Nominations. In addition, has had one of his photos on the cover of ScopeTrader magazine’s, the November 2024 issue.
—–
MaryBeth Kiczenski
Adventurer / Photographer / Northern Lights Chaser
Presentation Topic: Understanding the Magnetosphere and Experiencing Solar Max!
In this presentation, we will take a deep dive into the ever evolving, ever changing world of Aurora Chasing. This field is evolving at virtually the speed of light, and as we understand more of how our magnetosphere responds to solar wind, the more we can apply this to witnessing this amazing phenome! MaryBeth will introduce the Glendale App and how to use this incredible tool used to track substorms in real time.
The hype is here!! We are officially in Solar Max! At the time of this presentation, we will be well into the declining phase. This talk will highlight some of the incredible aurora shows we have seen so far – and how it has challenged everything we thought we knew about aurora visibility. With the advent of powerful cameras and cell phones, the aurora has been seen in places once thought impossible. That “once-in-a-lifeline” event, has become multiple times in a lifetime!
About MaryBeth
Marybeth Kiczenski is a Great Lakes-based adventurer and photographer with an obsession for dark skies and northern lights.
Marybeth is also an automotive product specialist who travels on the show circuit, a job that has taken her to virtually all corners of the United States and sparked her extreme wanderlust. She says this world is full of beauty, waiting to be discovered, and that’s where the shift from automotive photography to landscapes and nightscapes happened.
Now that she has a few years experience, Marybeth loves to help others discover the beauty of the night sky! Seeing the delight that comes from capturing that first Milky Way brings her joy. As this connection to a starry dark sky has inspired many for generations. [ View MaryBeth’s Website ]
—–
John Mueller
KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Welcome Remarks and the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
John will provide opening remarks and welcome, talk about the progress of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park and have a Q&A session with Amber Harrison on regarding the DarkSky International’s places program.
About John
John is the chief lead at the Lodge, and is heavily involved with the staff as it relates to operations and strategy of the resort. He led the application process for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and is closely involved with and knowledgeable of the dark sky park.
Previously, John was a professor at St. Edwards University, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial finance). Before his time at St. Edward’s, he was a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan University. He finished his PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many cool places around the world.
John has started several companies, and worked as an employee in others. He is the founder of Keweenaw Resort, LLC, which owns the Lodge.
—–
Robert Nemiroff
Co-creator of Astronomy Picture of the Day, Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Postcards from the Universe: 2024-2025 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
Some of the coolest images and videos from the popular NASA science website Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD: apod.nasa.gov) that appeared during 2024 and 2025 will be presented. The science and stories behind these images will be discussed. The images not only include the best of the Hubble and Webb space telescope, but also images taken from dark skies around the world. Topics include nebulae, aurorae, galaxies, the distant universe, the nearby Solar System, and more.
About Robert
Robert J. Nemiroff is a Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Dr. Nemiroff is perhaps best known as a creator, writer, and editor for one of NASA’s most popular science websites: the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Dr. Nemiroff’s new book, “Faster than Light, How Your Shadow Can Do It but You Can’t”, is available from Amazon. [ View Robert’s Michigan Tech Profile ]
—–
Tom Oliver
Photographer and Director of the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Stargazing: Dark Sky Photography and Etiquette Workshop
Join photographer Tom Oliver for a comprehensive and informative session on night sky photography. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. Learn more about the best gear to use and how to use it to get the night sky shots that you have always wanted.
Tom has noticed that with the increase in interest in Dark Sky tourism, there are people who, while enthusiastic about experiencing Dark Sky phenomena, sometimes conduct themselves in ways that could detract from experiences of others and may place themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations. As such, he will talk about the etiquette and safety when out and about experiencing the dark sky.
About Tom
Tom is currently the director of the Michigan Tech University Center for Environmental Science and Outreach. Since he was a child, nature, wildlife, and the outdoors have always been his deepest fascination – the intrinsic force which drives him. Those interests led him through, both, his career (in wildlife ecology/management and science education) and his preferred forms of recreation (hiking, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting and fishing, and birding). Although, he was born and raised in the UP, these pursuits also provided him the opportunity to live overseas (in Europe and Asia) for 15 years, which greatly expanded his experience with the outdoors and outdoor recreation in different cultures. Tom has been a passionate photographer, and has taught various photography workshops at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. His work can be viewed at teoliver.com and @theupwell on Instagram.
—–
Jamie Westfall
Park Manager of The Headlands Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Illuminating Opportunities: Dark Sky Programming in the Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Industry
Jamie’s presentation will highlight the growing demand for dark sky experiences and their role in sustainable tourism through an analysis of creative initiatives and existing programming opportunities and partnerships in designated DarkSky Places, and public, private, and non-profit sector attractions around the world. Attendees will learn how effective programming and partnerships can enrich visitor experiences, foster environmental stewardship, and contribute to regional economies. They will think critically about the challenges this industry might face. Participants will create their own astrotourism adventure bucket list. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, including strategies for integrating dark sky programming into their operations, and a deeper understanding of its value for communities and visitors.
About Jamie
Jamie is the Park Manager for Headlands International Dark Sky Park, as well as two other Emmet County Parks in Mackinaw City, Michigan. She is a Dark Sky Advocate with Dark Sky International, and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She is a self-proclaimed “parks dork,” and recreation enthusiast.
Jamie’s favorite thing about working at the Headlands has been teaming up with astronomers, learning about dark sky conservation, and actively participating in the dark sky protection movement within the parks and recreation industry. [ View Jamie’s LinkedIn Profile ]
—–
Jared Wolfe
Ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds and Pathways to Solutions
Dr. Wolfe will explore the complex interplay between migratory birds’ navigation mechanisms, including their use of the Earth’s magnetic fields and celestial cues, and the challenges posed by human-induced light pollution. Recent research reveals that these natural navigational aids are disrupted by artificial lighting, leading to disorientation and potential risks during nocturnal migration. This disturbance is increasingly implicated in the broader context of declines in migratory songbird populations across the hemisphere, highlighting an urgent need for conservation strategies that mitigate light pollution and protect these critical avian pathways.
About Jared
Jared Wolfe is an ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University, specializing in avian ecology and conservation. His research focuses on understanding the factors affecting avian survival in both temperate and tropical forests. Dr. Wolfe is co-founder of the Louisiana Bird Observatory, the Biodiversity Initiative, and has conducted extensive fieldwork across the Americas and Africa. His work aims to bridge the gap between empirical research and practical conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of avian biodiversity.

Rustic and Worldly Lunches
Each ticket to the festival includes two rustic worldly lunches; one on Friday and one on Saturday. When purchasing your ticket please state if you prefer the lunch with meat or the vegetarian option. Please note that there are no substitutions, and the menu is subject to change as we get closer to the event based upon access to ingredients.
Friday Lunch Menu (served at 11:30am)

Pork Loin Strips Stir Fry Bowl: Pork loin strip – stir fried pork strips with vegetables and bang bang sauce served on rice with corn and cilantro.
– or –
Vegetables Stir Fry Wrap: Vegetables stir fry w/ house made Asian sauce with rice served in a wrap and a small cabbage salad.
Saturday Lunch Menu (served at 11:30am)
Roasted Chicken Sandwich: Roasted chicken with garlic, spices and lemon, served on a bun with mayo-lemon-cilantro spread, lettuce and a small side salad.
– or –
Vegetarian Lasagna: Lasagna noodles layered with vegetables in tomato sauce, ricotta with herbs and mozzarella. Served with a small side salad.
Rustic Worldly Lunch during the 2024 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival

Lodging
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to stay before traveling. The following options are available for lodging in the area:

Aqua Cabins at Mt. Bohemia (Lac La Belle)
Brockway Inn (Copper Harbor)
Da Beach Cabin (Lac La Belle)
Dapple-Gray Bed & Breakfast (Copper Harbor)
Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)
Trails End Campground (Copper Harbor)

[ to see more Lodging options, go to Visit Keweenaw ]

Food
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge / Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to eat before traveling. The following options are available for food in the area:

Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Glacia Tavern (Mohawk)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host) – see the Lodge’s dinner options during the festival (which you pay for separate from the tickets)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)

[ Purchase Tickets ]
Limit: 50 tickets | $250 per ticket + tax
— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

[ 2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival Presentations ]
the page is for attendees & is password protected

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-05-23 21:00 - 23:00
[ Read: May 23, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Night Sky Photography Workshop
2025-06-21 21:00 - 23:00
[ Read: June 21, 2025: Night Sky Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Night Sky Photography Workshop – Milky Way
2025-07-26 21:00 - 23:00
[ Read: July 26, 2025: Night Sky Photography Workshop – Milky Way Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Night Sky Photography Workshop – Milky Way
2025-08-23 20:30 - 22:00
[ Read: August 23, 2025: Night Sky Photography Workshop – Milky Way Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:15pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree (GLAD JAM)
2025-09-11 - 2025-09-14
Visit Keweenaw, the regional tourism agency, has organized the Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree (GLAD JAM) to celebrate and education patrons about the dark skies that are viewable when in the Keweenaw.
[ Learn more about GLAD JAM ]
Location: Houghton, MI | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts | Keweenaw Region
Presented by: Visit Keweenaw in partnership with Michigan Aurora Chasers
NOTE: The Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree (GLAD JAM) is a four-day celebration of the Northern Lights and night sky in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Each day features a mix of free, public programming alongside a curated selection of paid, registration-only experiences.
The Rozsa Center Speaker Session (Saturday afternoon) is the core paid event, but other ticketed experiences include Friday’s Welcome Reception and Sunday morning’s Farewell Breakfast Gathering. The schedule below indicates if experiences require paid registration or not.
All other events—including star parties, guided hikes, and exhibits—are free and open to the public. Discounted college student pricing is available for ticketed events – please present your student ID when you arrive at registration.
[ Learn more about GLAD JAM ]

Light Pollution and Lighting Solutions Talk Slide Deck – September 13th [ John Mueller ]

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-09-19 19:30 - 21:30
[ Read: September 19, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 7:15pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Sun Day
2025-09-21
Sun Day is a day of to celebrate the power of clean energy that the sun provides us on earth.

Sun Day happens on September 21st, 2025, as it is the solar equinox – one of the two days of the year when all of the world gets an equal amount of sunlight.
[ Learn More about Sun Day ]
Note: At the Lodge we are working on various solar projects.

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-10-18 19:00 - 21:00
[ Read: October 18, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-11-14 19:00 - 21:00
[ Read: November 14, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-12-20 19:00 - 21:00
[ Read: December 20, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

National Geographic Live: Earth After Dark
2026-01-16 19:30 - 22:00
“From the Milky Way to meteor showers to fireflies that emerge at dusk on neighborhood streets, our eyes open a little wider at the stunning photos and videos of National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi. He has spent his career documenting wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos—from dark national parks to bright urban areas—with the belief that people everywhere can connect through the shared experience of simply looking up.” — National Geographic
Speaker: Babak Tafreshi
“National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi is a photographer and cinematographer who merges art and science through visual stories. Tafreshi created The World At Night program in 2007 with the message of One People One Sky and has been directing its team of photographers in approximately 30 countries. He received the 2009 Lennart Nilsson Award, the world’s most recognized scientific imaging award at the time, for his effort to reconnect humanity with the natural world using night sky images. He has been a National Geographic contributor since 2012, and he is a 2022 National Geographic Society Wayfinder Award recipient. ”
Location: Michigan Tech University – Rozsa Center for Performing Arts
The talk is part of the Rozsa Presenting Series and Van Evera Distinguished Lecture Series.
This event is FREE and open to the public through the Van Evera Memorial Endowment.
Learn more about the event at:

https://events.mtu.edu/event/rozsapresentingseries-natgeolive
https://live.nationalgeographic.org/event/earth-after-dark
